Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) contains over 9,200 acres of marsh, beaches, dunes, woodlands and farm fields. The southern part of the refuge includes an extensive impoundment complex. These managed water pools are visible to visitors as they travel refuge trails on the way to adjacent False Cape State Park, which is only accessible by foot, bicycle, boat/kayak or tram. Boardwalk trails traverse portions of the freshwater marsh, and in summer a combination of woodland and estuarine birds are found here. A canoe/kayak launch is available for those wishing to explore the NWR from the water.

Nutria (Myocastor coypus), an invasive species from South America, are common in Back Bay NWR. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR

The Refuge focuses on providing habitat for water birds, with an emphasis on waterfowl, shorebirds, and threatened species. It is a hotbed of activity for birders with nearly 300 recorded species. During the peak of winter migration a wide variety of ducks, tundra swans and snow geese visit the Back Bay. Other winter migrants include the rare LeConte’s sparrow and ubiquitous yellow-rumped warbler. Spring migration brings songbirds and shorebirds that fill the wetlands, shrubs, and woodland areas. Mammals, such as river otters, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and bobcats also reside in the Refuge. Numerous reptiles and amphibians rely on the habitats of Back Bay NWR, including cottonmouths (water moccasins), which are seen frequently.

Hours
The refuge is open daily, ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.

Fee: $5.00 April 1 -October 31, Free November 1 – March 31. (Portions of the refuge are closed during the winter migration; as such there is no fee during this period.)

Visitor Contact Station hours: 8am-4pm weekdays and 9am-4pm weekends; closed Sundays November 1 – March 31 and Mondays all year. Closed holidays except Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.